Why Atlas?

ATLAS VS. EXPLORER

When driving with your family, friends, colleagues or pets we know that mileage, space, comfort, and price are all important. And while a host of competitors offer you those qualities, it comes down to which one offers it better. Allow us to introduce the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and show you why it beats the Ford Explorer. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is the Explorer’s toughest competitor in areas like interior and exterior dimensions and ranks higher than the 2018 Ford Explorer in many other categories when it comes to midsize SUVS.

You can expect better mileage for all your excursions with an estimated 26 mpg on the highway compared to Explorer’s estimated 22 mpg. You can thank the Atlas 8 speed transmission for that. It’s standard on all trim levels, offering an increase in fuel efficiency as opposed to the 6 speed transmission in an Explorer.

While the two vehicles may come close to comparison in size, the Atlas dominates in other areas. The Atlas ranks number one on USNews.com for midsize SUVs, whereas the Explorer came in at number sixteen. Cars.com was also impressed with the Atlas, giving it their coveted “Best of 2018” award.

Cars.com: Best of 2018

It's official. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas beat out the entire field of competition. Named Best of 2018 by Cars.com.

And, even though both cars can seat seven passengers, the Atlas offers spacious seating that extends even to the third row. And it has more cargo space, with 96.8 cu. ft. of space with both rows folded. The Explorer seats aren’t as roomy or comfortable and it offers only 81.7 cu. ft. of cargo space. All Atlas trim levels trims offer the option to fold the third row seats into the floor, for more room, but only two trim levels offer that on the Explorer.

If you weren’t already sold on why the Atlas is touted as the number one midsize SUV then maybe the price will close it for you. The starting price for the Atlas is $30,750 while the Explorer base model is $32,140. And we haven’t even touched on the best-in-class warranty offered by VW. The People First Warranty offers 6 years, 72,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage – twice what Ford offers! That means more room, more comfort, more peace of mind and more to love...for less.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE

2018 Ford Explorer XLT

6 years / 72,000-miles bumper-to-bumper warranty

3 years / 36,000-miles bumper-to-bumper warranty

Leatherette Upholstery

Cloth Upholstery

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Heated Seats

Optional

Adaptive Cruise Control

Optional

Keyless Ignition

Optional

Satellite Radio

Satellite Radio

235 hp @4500rpm

290 hp @ 6500rpm

258 ft-lbs @1600rpm Torque

255 ft-lbs @4000 rpm Torque

22 / 26 / 24 MPG

17 / 24 / 20 MPG

20.6 cu. ft. of Cargo Space

21.0 cu. ft. Cargo Space

Like what you see? Find your favorite dealership and take the next step!